Overview: Programs in Social-Organizational Psychology

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Three degree programs are offered: An M.A. program in organizational psychology (ORGM), an Executive M.A. Program in organizational psychology with a specialization in change leadership (ORGX), and a Ph.D. program (ORGD). A terminal M.A. degree in Psychology: Organizational is awarded upon successful completion of 45 points in both the M.A. and Executive M.A. programs, as well as passing the comprehensive examination; or in the case of the Executive M.A. program, a capstone project. The Ph.D. degree is awarded upon completion of 75 points of planned and sequential study, qualifying papers, and a dissertation.

The programs provide advanced training in the concepts, research methods, and applications of social-organizational psychology. They are designed to prepare students to engage in research, consultation, and teaching in educational, business, governmental, and community organizations. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of basic concepts and methods applicable to diverse institutional and organizational contexts.

Courses in these programs are supplemented by other programs and departments at Teachers College and ColumbiaUniversity. With the help of a faculty advisor, students in the M.A. and Ph.D. programs select courses in their area of specialization, with consideration given to their academic backgrounds, work experiences, and career objectives. The Executive M.A. program is a cohort program with a fixed schedule of classes.

A certificate of attendance in conflict resolution is also offered to students in the M.A./Ph.D. programs (see non-credit program-certificate of attendance in conflict resolution, below). Students interested in receiving the certificate must complete a sequence of 5 courses and 1 semester of internship. Students who opt for the certificate of attendance must complete an application form with the InternationalCenter for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (ICCCR). Students in the M.A./Ph.D. program who wish to take a concentration of electives within the area of conflict resolution, but do not wish to receive a formal certificate of attendance may register for courses without completing an application form with ICCCR.